July APA Newsletter - Hot Fun In The Summer!
July 16, 2010 | The summer is in full swing, and instead of lazy, hazy days, the APA and our members are busier than ever.
This past week, Peter D. Smith, Chris Ball and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the National Rural Touring Forum in Colchester, England. I cannot say enough about the warmth and hospitality of the presenters in attendance, and their willingness to share their knowledge. The APA were asked to present a 30 minute presentation with our colleagues from Sweden, and we were all hit with the realization that all our network presenters are facing the same challenges and issues. We agreed that the sharing of best practices, tool development etc. needs to be done on an international level, and as one of our colleagues pointed out “In these times, we need all the help we can get”. It was agreed that our three countries would communicate under the banner of the International Village of Culture, and we would continue to share with our network colleagues from around the world. The APA, with financial help from the province of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, were able to bring David Myles, Old Man Luedecke and Chuck and Albert to showcase at the National Rural Touring Conference. To say that our Contact East artists were a hit is an understatement, and there are already touring dates being booked!
Our impact in Colchester, England would not have been made possible without our members participation, and the support we receive for our Atlantic presenters network from associations and agencies in our region. While the lazy, hazy days may be upon us, we're thrilled to see the momentum continue to build towards Contact East 2010, block booking meetings and within the Atlantic Presenters Dance Initiative. Three cheers for summer!
Sue Urquhart
Executive Director, Atlantic Presenters Association
A special welcome to our new members: Cheryl Ewing, Waterloo Dance Project (Kitchener, ON)
CONTACT EAST 2010
Contact East 2010 E-News
On July 13 and 14 we sent our first Contact East E-News to over 750 organizations, associations, and delegates across the continent and abroad. To view the E-News please visit the APA website at www.atlanticpresenters.ca.
We have made several announcements about the event and below you'll find links to view more information online about showcasing artists, the conference and showcasing schedule, registration and accommodations. We encourage you to visit the Contact East 2010 website and register www.contacteast.ca/delegates.
Showcase artists: www.contacteast.ca/showcase
Conference and showcasing schedule: www.contacteast.ca/schedule
Register: www.contacteast.ca/delegates - Early bird registration ends August 15.
Accommodations: www.contacteast.ca/delegates/accommodations.php - Please indicate that you are booking for Contact East in order to get the rate that has been negotiated in advance.
APA NEWS
Block Booking for Summer 2011/2012
We are looking to hear from our membership about organizing a meeting to block book artists for the Summer season in 2011/12. We have set up a Doodle webpage, an online tool that allows participants to vote on a list of items and in our case, it lists your choice of dates for the meeting. The options are to have a meeting during Contact East September 23-26, a stand alone date on October 16, or during the November block booking meeting November 19-21. You can also choose "I am not interested" if you do not program during the summer months.
http://www.doodle.com/ghkiyaxayrf6efp2
Please make your selection by July 31 and we will announce the results to the membership by way of email to confirm the dates.
New Information About August Block Booking Meeting
Over The Edge Presenters Conference: The conference has been changed from the "Atlantic Presenters Cross-Border Exchange" to "Over The Edge Presenters Conference" - but it's all just semantics for "one rockin' good time". And if you don't believe me, check out this weblink that John Patches sent over from the Maine Arts Commission about the event: http://mainearts.maine.gov/overtheedge.aspx. It outlines in more detail about the topics of conversation and discussion, our goals and what we hope to accomplish. Exciting stuff!
Schedule: The conference is taking place beginning at 9:00am on August 4 and continues through to the evening of August 6. When making your travel arrangements, please plan to arrive on August 3 and depart on August 7 to make sure you can get the most out of your time at the conference.
Accommodations: In our last update on June 28 we included information about the hotel accommodations. Please note we were given the incorrect room rate and it is $110 per night (at a discount from $190 per night). Our apologies to you all, but the rate is still very competitive and we anticipate great service from everyone at the Hilton Garden Inn. For booking, please call the Hilton Garden Inn - 207-262-0099. Please mention discount code - APC (Atlantic Presenters Conference) - this will give them a room rate of $110 per night. You must book your room by Friday, July 30.
Meals: Member John Patches from the Maine Centre for the Arts has been kind enough to cover the costs of all 3 meals for participants during the 3 days of the conference. Thank you John for your generosity!
Register: To register for the Over The Edge Presenters Conference, please email Krista at krista@atlanticpresenters.ca by Friday, July 30 to confirm you plan on attending.
Travel Subsidy: All current APA members can also apply for a small travel subsidy. We will have more information on the amount once we know how many people are attending. If you want to apply for a travel subsidy, please email Sue for a form at sue@atlanticpresenters.ca
MEMBER NEWS
Atlantic Presenters Dance Initiative
Submitted by Susan Hoover, Osprey Arts Centre in Shelburne, NS
Contemporary dance is a discipline that Atlantic Presenters has decided to explore so that in the future we can choose dance companies for touring with an eye to excellence. Most of us felt that we did not have the knowledge or experience to look at dance critically.
Sue Urquhart, Tim Yerxa, Darcy Campbell and Susan Hoover became the group to act as guinea pigs. We traveled to a dance festival in Vancouver in October 2009. Judy Harquail from CCI organized the event, the professional development and the schedule and introduced us to Michael Trent from Toronto’s Dancemakers for pre and post show discussion. Here began our learning how to talk about dance, what we liked, what we understood and what baffled us. If we learned one thing in Vancouver, it was to trust our feeling that often the pieces were too long. This would stand us in good stead when we embarked on our next excursion.
After Vancouver, APA decided to develop our Dance Initiative to tour dance in Atlantic Canada. Paul Caskey, artistic director of Live Art Dance in Halifax will assist us in this program.
Our models are Quebec’s Sur la Route, B.C.’s Made in B.C. and the new Ontario initiative spearheaded by Judy Harquail. All of these programs send several dance companies to tour their region each year.
In June of 2010 we attended the Canada Dance Festival in Ottawa. Peter D. Smith and Dick Stoker joined the gang of four. We saw a number of dance companies – I saw nine but I think Tim broke the record with 12. We also attended a day and a half of meetings with presenters from B.C., Ontario and Quebec led by Lendre Kearns, former manager of The Royal Winnipeg Ballet now working in Arizona. We shared outreach and marketing ideas for dance. In fact, many of these ideas would work for any performing art presentation. (If you are interested in my synopsis of these workshops, please email me at susanhoover@ns.sympatico.ca.)
Once again Michael Trent was available in the late evening for after show discussion. Listening to each other talk about our impressions of each dance company allowed us to refine our perceptions, or at least get a sense of the general opinion of each company. In fact, one of the most interesting things I learned is that since I am a lover of performance art, I tended to appreciate the works that crossed over into that genre more than the group in general. Hence I could watch Susie Burpee forever and I think I was more comfortable with Daniel Leveille’s choreography on Noam Gagnon than others were. That does not mean that my audience will be as open to the performance art crossover with dance. Good to know.
We saw a great variety of performances: solos, duos and group pieces, some in the Western tradition, some based on Indian dance techniques, one with African influence and one by a Canadian aboriginal company. Many of the works were multi-media, mostly with video.
One of the most popular works with our group was Caturn, performed by the Naomi Stikeman Dance Company. Choreographed by Stikeman, Peter Chu and Crystal Pite and danced by Stikeman, Chu and Eira Glover, Caturn was a video story about Sophie Hebert (played by a plastic doll) who is trying to decipher the existential mystery of life. She is assisted by real characters Chanel Bergeron, owner of a modest hair salon in the suburbs, and her employee, Julien.
We see Sophie dealing with her mother (a real as opposed to plastic character) who is becoming senile. Between the video vignettes, the giant screen at the national Arts Centre begins to show more abstract images while Stikeman and Chu perform mesmerizing pas de deux. Most striking was a polar bear dance in which the dancers’ bodies seemed to shimmer like ice.
Because of the plastic doll in the video, there was a tongue in cheek quality to Sophie’s search for the meaning of life which provided a sharp contrast to the beautiful and lyrical pas de deux.
The music for the performances we saw included works by Mozart, Bach and Erik Satie. Several had highly percussive scores, some commissioned for specific pieces. The costumes varied from almost nude to the highly decorative aboriginal costumes of the Coyote Arts Percussive Performance Association choreographed by Byron Chief Moon.
If I had to choose two artists whose work I would like to see again, it would by Jose Navas, Argentinian dancer resident in Quebec and Susie Burpee of Toronto. Who would I program for my audience if I could have any company I saw? Navas, Stikeman, Burpee and South Asian influenced Sampradaya Dance Creations.
OTHER NEWS and EVENTS
Matchbook.org
We are all about sharing resources, and here's an excellent link to Matchbook.org, "New England's online cultural marketplace that sparks connections between artists, presenters and communities", and we couldn't agree more. Check out this link to their online resources for a list of articles covering topics such as marketing, promotion, fundraising and documentation. http://www.matchbook.org/Resources.aspx.
Rendez-Vous 2010 in Halifax, NS from August 12-14, 2010
CITT is looking forward to welcoming you in Halifax for our 20th Rendez-vous. Below are some highlights of the conference.
Click here for full schedule - http://citt.org/schedule_programming.html
To register, click here - http://citt.org/registration.html
Tuesday, August 10 & Wednesday, August 11 - Pre-Conference Workshops
Rigging and Flying Performers
with Stu Cox and Daniel Kondas, presented in collaboration with ZFX Flying
Join two of ZFX’s Flying Directors for two days of hands-on “Rigging & Flying Performers”. Get dirty as you learn some of the basics, and a few of the secrets, of these special effects. Spend the first day working with professional flying equipment, assembling & rigging pendulums, lift & travel track systems, and even a couple of specialty effects. See firsthand how venue type, dimensions, and rigging all play into equipment choices and choreography. Day two will get you in harness, off the ground, and on the ropes. See what is possible, and how you get a polished effect integrated into a show.
Entertainment Electricity and Power Distribution
with Richard Cadena, ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician and Recognized Trainer
The Entertainment Electricity and Power Distribution seminar is a two-day class that covers concepts and applications of electrical theory, calculations, and power distribution as it relates to live event production. It is an excellent course for both the novice and the experienced technician in the field of theatrical lighting, audio, and video. For the less experienced attendee the course starts with the very basics of DC and AC electricity and establishes a foundation for learning more advanced topics. For the more experienced attendee the early part is an excellent review and by the end of the first day the topics will include 3-phase power, phase angles, power factor, harmonics, and more.
Thursday, August 12 - Forum Day
The CITT Forum
Professional Recognition for Entertainment Riggers and General Stage Technicians (Stagehands)
CITT expressed a willingness to take the lead in promoting the proficiency levels and working with industry to find ways to provide recognition of them. This session will present the latest updates and the proposed next steps, which includes:
- Development of a “skills passport”.
- Convening meetings with stakeholders to develop recognition of proficiency levels.
- Documenting best practices across the country.
- Preparing a national training strategy, which will pull all the elements and stakeholders together towards a common vision.
The Breakout Sessions
- Education - Teaching the Entry Level: Revisiting the basics. What are the current basics of the industry that should be in the curriculum? How to adjust the existing curriculum to the industry needs?
- Industry - Professional Development: What are the most important areas and how to integrate professional development workshops across the community?
The Education & Industry Forum
Is there too much offer for the demand? Are theatre and stage production programmes across the country producing too many workers for what the industry can absorb. Are there gaps between the retiring workers and the newcomers? Managing the transition between education and the "real world".
Junk Challenge Opening Night Reception
After the day, delegates come together at the official opening of the Conference. The evening includes the ever so popular and fun ice-breaking event that will challenge the clever technical and creative skills of the delegates.
Friday, August 13 - Corporate Day
Friday Morning Tours and Sessions
Delegates have a choice between one of the following backstage tours or in-depth sessions:
- Backstage Tour Dalhousie Arts Centre
- Behind the Scene of Tattoo
- Fall Protection Training
- LED Forum
20th Annual Trade Show
Hit the Trade Show floor to see the best products and technologies for the live performance industry. The Trade show will take place at the Halifax Convention Centre.
Confirmed Exhibitors include:
• Christie Lites
• EPIC Production Technologies
• ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls)
• GerrAudio Distribution
• JD International
• MDG Fog Generators
• Ontario Staging
• Roland Systems Group
• ROSCO
• Sennheiser Canada
• Show Distribution
• Staging Concepts
• Technically Yours Inc. (TYI)
• ZFX Flying
CITT's 11th Annual Swag Bingo
This summer, Swag Bingo will take place at Montes Bar & Grill in Dartmouth, about a 20-minute ride from downtown Halifax. For your convenience, and pleasure, we will be providing a continuous complimentary shuttle service all evening between downtown Halifax and Montes. We are please to announce the return of Don Parman of Don-Don as CITT's Swag Bingo emcee... so come and socialize with corporate members, build your swag collection and support CITT. BINGO!
Saturday, August 14 - Professional Development Day
Conference Sessions
Build your knowledge base with informative sessions. Here is a sneak preview of some of the confirmed sessions (programme schedule is sujected to changes)
- Demystifying wireless audio in UHF and 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz & Infra-Red with Frédérick Girard
- Digital Consoles/Digital Snakes/Personal Mixing with John Devrie, sponsored by Roland System Group Canada
- Electricity 101 with Richard Cadena
- Fog, Haze and Low Floor Fog: A Comprehensive Theory with Thierry Pouliot Fletcher
- Fuel for Peak Performance – Healthy Eating on the Go with Cynthia Moulin
- Hippo Training, Introductory Level with Loren Barton, sponsored by TMB
- Mutiny on the Bounty: Resolving Issues Through Discussion with Raymond Kempster
- Tech Riders: Effective Communication Between Venues and Tours with Chad Croteau
Other sessions we are working on include:
- ETCP Candidate information
- Hearing Loss
* Moving Lights
* Production Managers in Venues and in Educational Institutions
* Rigging Inspection
CITT/ICTS Annual General Meeting Luncheon
The AGM provides an opportunity to present to membership the annual report and the work accomplished by CITT/ICTS over the course of the year.
Cocktail and CITT Awards Banquet
A perennial conference highlight, the CITT Awards Banquet is yet another chance for the conference delegates to socialize and enjoy a spectacular dinner at the Pier 21 Kenneth C. Rowe Heritage Hall an historic setting overlooking the Halifax Harbour. Invited Conference Rapporteur: Kelly Peck
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| 07.26.10 | The Town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia has provided a contribution of $10,000 in support of Contact East 2010, which takes place from September 23-26 in Antigonish and includes a performing arts conference plus 50 live performances of many of the very best Canadian artists in theatre, music and dance. (more) |
| 07.21.10 |
Contact East 2010 Is Only Two Months Away! You read it right! Contact East 2010 is taking place from September 23-26 in Antigonish, NS and that means we're only two months away from the big event. If you are attending and have not yet registered, please take a few minutes to visit our website at www.contacteast.ca/delegates and register today. (more) |
| 07.16.10 |
July APA Newsletter - Hot Fun In The Summer! The summer is in full swing, and instead of lazy, hazy days, the APA and our members are busier than ever. (more) |
| 07.13.10 |
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Contact East 2010 Announces Showcasing Artists and Conference Schedule Register today - Contact East 2010 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia from September 23-26 - you'll want to be there! (more) |
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| 05.28.10 |
Contact East 2010 Awards CALL FOR NOMINATIONS We are seeking nominations for the Contact East Awards, which takes place on September 26th. The Contact East Awards was initiated in 1998, to recognize excellence and achievement in the field of live performance touring and presentation. Nominations must be submitted on the form below, no later than June 30, 2010. (more) |
| 04.14.10 | Presented in partnership with the Atlantic Presenters Association (APA), the Arts and Culture Centre is pleased to host Cheryl Ewing and Richard Poore for a two-day performing arts creative summit in St. John's, Newfoundland Labrador on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 at the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre. (more) |
| 04.02.10 |
APA May Retreat in St. Andrews by the Sea, NB May 10 and 11 The Atlantic Presenters Association (APA) is pleased to announce the May Retreat will take place at The Fairmont Algonquin in St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick on May 10 and 11. (more) |
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